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Fox Creek board votes to terminate principal's contract

By Scott Rodgers

Jul 25 2013 12:01 am

Murph

The Fox Creek High School Board of Directors has voted to terminate Dr. Tim Murph's employment with the school.

Murph, the school's principal, has been on paid administrative leave since May. According to an Aiken Standard Freedom of Information Act request, the reason was “allegations and concerns regarding school management and leadership.”

In a special meeting on Monday night the Board made the decision to move forward with Murph's termination.

Greg Hurt, the president of the Fox Creek High School Board of Directors, issued the following statement: “This statement is to advise that the Fox Creek High School Board of Directors board had a special called meeting on July 22 and voted to terminate Employee A's employment with Fox Creek High School. Employee A, through his attorney, waived his right to attend and participate in tonight's meeting in executive session. However, Employee A has requested a due process hearing before the Board of Trustees should the board decide to terminate Employee A's contract. The Board cannot discuss details of this manner because it involves a confidential personnel matter; however, we can inform you that the Board will schedule a due process hearing in this matter at a mutually convenient time between both parties.”

Herb Louthian, Murph's attorney, said there is no cause for his client's termination.

“Dr. Murph has done an excellent job as principal of Fox Creek High School, and he is surprised and shocked by the Board's actions,” Louthian said. “We will grieve the Board's decision through the internal grievance process and challenge any reasons they present for his termination. And, if the Board does not reverse its initial decision, we will file suit.”

Hurt had no comment when asked if the board would pursue any legal action against Murph.

Scott Rodgers is the news editor at the North Augusta Star and has been with the paper since January 2013 after previously working at the Aiken Standard. He is a graduate of Alvernia University and currently attends Drexel University.

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